DepartmentofPapuaNewGuineaStudiesandInternationalRelations

Last Updated: 05 April 2018

Overview

The Department of Papua New Guinea Studies and International Relations (PGIR) is one of the four Departments in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Divine Word University (DWU). The Department offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree program in PNG Studies and International Relations (PGSIR). This is in line with the Faculty’s commitment to producing quality graduates for the twenty-first century in an active Christian environment within a PNG and Melanesian context. The program is designed to equip students deal with social and political issues affecting the country and its neighbours. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is fast becoming a strategic place not only for its industrial and resource boom but also for its strategic location between the Asian neighbours, Australia/New Zealand and the Pacific Island countries. As such PNG is not only challenged to contribute its share of influence in cultural and social issues, politics, economics, regional and international obligations but also to provide adequate human resources to take on the challenges. Therefore, the Department is committed to train and shape its students, the future leaders, to become responsible citizens and contribute positively towards nation building.

As PNG society attempts to keep abreast with the fast changing social, political and economic landscape of the country, it has become necessary that the younger generations of PNG keep pace with changes and become active players of these changes. Accordingly, the units in the program at the Department are designed with updated content, teaching and learning strategies and techniques, and assessment methods in a creative and proactive way.

The Department offers multi-studies focus in PNG and Melanesian Studies; politics, comparative politics and international relations; policy analysis, development studies and community development; peace and gender studies; regional and global studies, life skills, ethics and Christian values; research methods and projects.

The Department has qualified, skilled and experienced academics and professionals who encourage and advance positive influence among the students through academic teaching, research, community engagement, and social action. This is in line with the university’s triple mission of learning and teaching, research and community engagement, and in accordance with DWU Second Decade Strategic Plan 2006 to 2016, PNG Vision 2050 and Higher Education Plan III.

Future Plans

The Department has undergone a number of developments over the years and now is structured around five majors: (1) anthropology, PNG Studies and history; (2) politics and international relations; (3) development studies and community development; (4) peace and gender studies; and (5) environmental and sustainability studies. The anthropology/PNG Studies strand was developed in partnership with the University of Heidelberg.

Currently, the main program of the Department of PGSIR is the Bachelor of Arts (PNG Studies). The Department has begun work on developing two (2) other stand-alone BA programs in International Relations and Community Development. It is envisaged we will introduce these soon, once the academic review process is complete. All our programs provide opportunities for acquisition of workplace skills as well as broad-spectrum education foundations required for training in a variety of exciting career pathways and occupations in Papua New Guinea, the Pacific and the Region.

The Department is progressively developing its academic programs to suit the modern day needs of PNG, Melanesia and the region. It engages in critical self-evaluation and innovative ideas on quality structure and delivery of the programs. It is the vision of the Department, and in line with the vision of the University, that the graduates of the Department be able to provide strong ethical, influential and constructive leadership in the work force both within PNG and abroad.